Combination sealing device



Sept. 7, 1965 R. GURTLER COMBINATION SEALING DEVICE JNVENTOR. ROMAN GU RTLER Original Filed Sept. 14,

6% ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,204,819 COMBINATION SEALING DEVICE Roman 'Gurtler, Chester, N.Y., assignor to The Casco Products Corporation, Bridgeport, Conn, a corporation of Connecticut Continuation of application Ser. No. 138,083, Sept. 14, 1961. This application Apr. 1, 1964, Ser. No. 357,020

9 Claims. (Cl. 222-) This application is a continuation of my copending application Serial No. 138,083 filed September 14, 1961, now abandoned.

This invention concerns a pressure indicator and discharge means for a closed container having contents under gas pressure.

The device of the present invention is especially adaptable for installation in tanks or containers used as fire extinguishers, pneumatic tire and raft inflaters, insecticide distributors, dispensers of bottled gas such as propane and butane, and the like.

It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide an assembly including a movable outlet means to indicate pressure existing inside the container and adapted to release the contents of the container through the outlet means.

A further object is to provide an assembly as described in association with an outlet tube in the container having a pointed tip for piercing a frangible diaphragm on the end of the movable outlet means.

Still another object is to provide a sealed pressurized container having a sealed outlet with external means on the device for piercing the sealed outlet of the movable outlet means.

According to the invention, there is provided dispensing means for a closed cylindrical container. The discharge means has a movable, spring biased outlet member having a closed end which extends axially from the discharge means when the contents of the container are under predetermined pressure. The outer end of the outlet member recedes more or less into the discharge means when the pressure which exists in the container appreciably decreases. The outlet member has a closed end formed as a frangible diaphragm which can be punctured in any of a variety of ways for the release of the contents of the container. The contents may be liquid, gas or pulverized solid material under gas pressure.

The container may have an axially disposed interior tube for the passage of the contents when the diaphragm has been punctured. This tube may have a pointed end which may serve to pierce the diaphragm at the inner end of the outlet member when discharge of the contents of the container is required. In addition or alternatively to the pointed end of the tube there may be provided a lever pivotally mounted on the discharge means and carrying a pin for piercing the diaphragm to release the contents of the container. The diaphragm of the movable outlet member may have also a grooved weakened portion adapted to be broken off for releasing the contents of the container.

If the pressure in the container exceeds a predetermined value, as for instance when the container and its contents becomes overheated, provision is made for allowing a sufficient amount of the contents to be discharged through an auxiliary discharge passage to the exterior, thereby avoiding a possible explosion which would discharge the entire contents of the container and possibly cause damage or personal injuries.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a container and discharge means according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view on an enlarged scale taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1, part of the container being broken away.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view on a further enlarged scale similar to a portion of FIG. 2 showing movable parts of the dispensing means in retracted position.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the dispensing means and part of the container on an enlarged scale taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 5--5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 66 of FIG. 3.

Referring to FIGS. l-6, there is shown a container 10 having a cylindrical body 12 with a closed end 14 and a head 16. The head 16 is a convex member with cylindrical skirt 17 welded or brazed to form a seal 20 to the body 12. Alternatively, the skirt may be internally threaded and screwed on the end of the body 12 which will be correspondingly externally threaded. The head 16 has a central opening 22 in which is inserted a cylindrical tubular portion 24 of an outlet assembly including a hous ing 25. The portion 24 may be welded or brazed to form a filleted seal 26 at the inner side of the rim of opening 22. The housing 25 has a cylindrical body 30 formed with an annular shoulder 28 which seats flush against the exterior of the head 16 at opening 22. The free end of the body 30 is externally threaded at 17. A suitable protective cap (not shown) may be screwed on the open end of the housing.

Axially disposed within the cylindrical bore 30a of the body 30 is an outlet member in the form of a tube 32 which is slidably fitted Within the body and has a circumferential groove 34 in which is an O-ring 31 which serves as a resilient packing and sealing element for the tube. In the open end of the tube 32 is a recess 36 in which is seated a cup-shaped frangible diaphragm 38. This diaphragm may be designed to rupture when subjected to predetermined high pressure from inside the container, or to be broken when pierced mechanically, or when subjected to fire or excessive heat, or when subjected to chemical attack of certain types.

A circumferential groove 37 may be provided near the end of the tube 32 just beyond the diaphragm 38. This groove serves to weaken the tube end mechanically so that the end of the tube can be broken oif for quickly releasing the contents of the container 10.

Tube 32 has an annular shoulder 39. Abutting this shoulder is a radially extending annular lower Washer 40. One end of a coil spring 42 bears on this washer. The other end of the spring bears on an externally threaded washer or ring 43 engaged with internal threads 44 near the open end of the body 30. Ring 43 seats on an annular shoulder 45 formed inside the body 30 at the end of threads 44. Another annular shoulder 46 is formed inside body 30 intermediate its ends for seating washer 40 when the tube 32 is fully retracted inside the body 30 as shown in FIG. 3.

The container may be provided with a cylindrical discharge tube 50 axially disposed in the container and secured in the inner end of body portion 24. The tube 50 has :an extension 52 of reduced diameter which extends axially through body 30 and tube 32. This extension is formed with a pointed tip 54 which terminates just short of diaphragm 33 when the tube 32 is fully retracted in body 3%! as shown in FIG. 3.

An externally threaded ring 56 may be mounted on the externally threaded end of body 30. This ring has an axially extending arm 58 to which a lever 60 is pivotally secured by an eyelet 61. A pin 62 with pointed end extends outwardly of the lever intermediate the ends thereof.

The container may be partially filled with material 33 which may be a liquid or pulverized solid material, under pressure of a gas in compartment 35 before tube 32 is inserted in body 30. Alternatively the container can be filled with compressed gas alone. After the container is filled, the tube 32, washer 40 and spring 42 will be inserted in body 30 and secured by ring 43 as shown in FIG. 2.

The outer free end of tube 32 and diaphragm 38 will normally extend outwardly of the body 30 indicating that the pressure in the container is at least above a predetermined pressure.

The outer free end of the tube 32 and diaphragm will extend outwardly beyond the end of the body 30 so long as the pressure in the container acting on the bottom of the tube 32 (which functions as a piston) is sufficient to overcome the force of the spring 42 which yieldingly resists outward movement of the tube.

The spring 42 is so selected that when the maximum pressure is present in the container, the spring will be compressed and the free end of the tube 32 will project beyond the housing 25 a predetermined amount, for instance to the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, thus visually indicating that the device is fully charged. When, as sometimes occurs, there is leakage of the gas and/ or contents of the container, the effect of the gas on the bottom of the tube 32 decreased and permits the spring 42 to move the free end of the tube inwardly gradually, if there is a slow leak, until the washer 40 strikes the shoulder 46 in which, as shown in FIG. 3, the free end is retracted to a position, preferably, where it is substantially flush with the end of the housing 25 which may be taken to indicate that the pressure is not sufficient for efiicient operation of the device. It follows, therefore, that the extent of projection of the free end from the housing will indicate the difierences in pressure in the container between acceptable maximum and minimum limits, and this is an important feature of the present invention.

Another advantage of this invention is that by manually depressing the free end of the tube 32 against the force of the spring 42 releasing it and observing its return movement, it can be determined whether or not the tube 32 is performing its function of indicating the pressure within the container, thereby avoiding a false indication of the condition which might be given if the tube froze, by oxidation or otherwise, within the housing 25.

It should be noted that the pressure in the container is reflected in applicants device as disclosed herein before dispensing is effected.

The contents of the container may be released in a variety of ways depending on the application to which the container contents are put. In one way, the lever 60 can be turned around arm 58 and pin 62 can be forced into the diaphragm 38 piercing or puncturing the same. Upon withdrawal of the pins, the contents of the container will be discharged through the opening thus formed in the diaphragm. In another way, the diaphragm 38 can be forced against the pointed tip 54 of the tube which will cause the diaphragm 38 to be pierced from inside out. In a third way, the tube 32 can be opened by applicationof any handy rod, external mechanism or tool or explosives (not shown) applied to diaphragm 38. The diaphragm can be forced inwardly until it is pierced by pointed tip 54 of the tube. Alternatively, the end of tube 32 can be broken off at groove 37.

The diaphragm 38 can be made of a metal or plastic having a low melting point to rupture when external temperature exceeds a predetermined value. This arrangement would be especially desirable if the container is used as a fire extinguisher. The diaphragm 38 can be made of a metal or plastic which will rupture under internal pressure in the container when the pressure rises beyond a predetermined value. This will also be a useful arrangement for fire extinguishers, since the entire container may be subjected to an elevated temperature which will increase the internal gas pressure beyond the discharge pressure point, whereupon diaphragm 38 will break. 7

The diaphragm can be made of a metal, plastic or other material Which weakens under chemical attack of certain acids, alkalis, or solvents, such as gasoline and other hydrocarbons, to cause discharge of neutralizing agents or fire extinguishing contents of the container.

FIGS. 3 and 6 illustrate the invention adapted to effect as a safety measure the partial release of contents of the container when pressure therein rises to a predetermined value insufficient to cause rupture of diaphragm 38. A lateral hole 66 is formed in body 30 which is normally closed by tube and sealed by ring 31. If the pressure in container 10 increases and moves tube 32 against the calibrated force of the spring 4-2 axially outwardly beyond the position indicated in FIG. 2, then opening 66 will be cleared. However, such movement will not cause the pointed end 54 of the tube to pierce the diaphragm 38. A partial discharge of the contents of the container will occur around the open end of tube extension 52, through the annular space S located between the extension 52 and the interior of the tube 32 and through opening 66. As the contents are discharged the pressure in the container will fall and tube 32 will retract to close opening 66. At this point the outer end of tube 32 will still be extending from body 30 as shown in FIG. 2 to indicate that a predetermined high pressure is maintained in the container. The entire contents of the container can, of course, be discharged by piercing or removing diaphragm 38 in any one of the Ways described above.

The invention thus provides a device for indicating the existence or absence of predetermined maximum pressure of contents in a pressurized container, and the absence of a satisfactory minimum pressure, and reflects the degree of pressure between said maximum and satisfactory minimum pressures. The device may be made to discharge its contents either automatically or under manual control.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise construction herein disclosed and that various changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A dispensing device comprising means for attachment to a container for pressurized material to be dispensed; outlet means having means in communication with the interior of the container, said outlet means comprising a housing and an outlet tube axially movable in said housing having means responsive to the pressure in the container to effect outward movement of said outlet tube, said outlet tube having an outlet orifice and closure means normally closing said orifice; and yielding means for predeterminately resisting said outward movement of said outlet tube but yielding to permit such movement to a greater or lesser extent while the tube still remains closed when the pressure in the container is within maximum and acceptable minimum limits, whereby the position of said outlet tube relative to said housing is indicative of the pressure in said container within said limits.

2. The dispensing device as defined in claim 1 in which said housing has an outlet normally closed by said tube and positioned to be opened thereby and permit escape of some of the contents of the container when the pressure therein exceeds a predetermined value.

3. The dispensing device as defined in claim 1 in which there are means whereby the outlet tube closure means may be rendered ineffective when it is desired to dispense the material in the container.

4. The dispensing device as defined in claim 3 in which the means in communication with the interior of the container comprises a conduit tube, and said means for rendering said closure means inelfective comprises an open pointed end on said conduit tube adapted to engage said closure means and pierce the same when the outlet tube is forced inwardly of the housing a predetermined extent against the pressure in the container.

5. The dispensing device as defined in claim 3 in which the means for rendering said closure means ineflFective comprises means for puncturing said closure means.

6. The dispensing device as defined in claim 3 in which said closure means is a frangible cap on the otherwise open end of the outlet tube.

7. In a pressurized container having a cylindrical body closed at one end and having a head secured to the other end thereof with a central aperture in said head, in combination: a cylindrical hollow body having a cylindrical portion engaged in said aperture and extending into the container, said body having another portion extending axially outwardly beyond said head, a tube axially movable in said other body portion, a coil spring concentric with said tube biasing the tube inwardly of said body, and a frangible diaphragm at one end of the tube, said one end of the tube being extended beyond said body in variable degrees thereby reflecting directly the amount of pressure inside the container active in the tube relative to maximum and acceptable minimum pressures.

8. A dispensing attachment for a container of pressurized gas, liquid or pulverized solid, comprising a cylindrical hollow body, a tube axially movable in said body, a coil spring concentric with said tube biasing the tube inwardly of said body, and a frangible thin diaphragm closing one end of the tube, said one end of the tube being extended beyond said body in variable degrees thereby reflecting directly the amount of pressure inside the container active in the tube relative to maximum and acceptable minimum pressures.

9. In a pressurized container having a head secured with a central aperture in said head, in combination, a cylindrical hollow body having a cylindrical portion engaged in said aperture, said body having a portion extending axially outwardly beyond said head, an axially slidable tube in said outer body portion, a coil spring concentric with said tube bearing the tube inwardly of said body, a thin diaphragm closing one end of said tube to facilitate rupturing, said one end of the tube normally extending beyond said body in variable degrees reflecting directly pressure conditions in said pressurized container acting on the tube.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 443,873 12/90 Snow 122504 2,268,964 1/42 Satfell 222541 X 2,504,276 4/50 Olsen 222---514 2,580,639 1/52 Baker 222-5 2,687,828 8/54 Horrocks 22254l 2,939,609 6/60 Schwarfmann 222-82 RAPHAEL M. LUPO, Primary Examiner. 

1. A DISPENSING DEVICE COMPRISING MEANS FOR ATTACHMENT TO A COINTAINER FOR PRESSURIZED MATERIAL TO BE DISPENSED; OUTLET MEANS HAVING MEANS IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE INTERIOR OF THE CONTAINER, SAID OUTLET MEANS COMPRISING A HOUSING AND AN OUTLET TUBE AXIALLY MOVABLE IN SAID HOUSING HAVING MEANS RESPONSIVE TO THE PRESSURE IN THE CONTAINER TO EFFECT OUTWARD MOVEMENT OF SAID OUTLET TUBE, SAID OUTLET TUBE HAVING AN OUTLET ORIFICE AND CLOSURE MEANS NORMALLY CLOSING SAID ORIFICE; AND YIELDING MEANS FOR PREDETERMINATELY RESISTING SAID OUTWARD MOVEMENT TO SAID OUTLET TUBE BUT YIELDING TO PERMIT SUCH MOVEMENT TO A GREATER OF LESSER EXTENT WHILE THE TUBE STILL REMAINS CLOSED WHEN THE PRESSURE IN THE CONTAINER IS WITHIN MAXIMUM AND ACCEPTABLE MINIMUM LIMITS, WHEREBY THE POSITION OF SAID OUTLET TUBE RELATIVE TO SAID HOUSING IS INDICATIVE OF THE PRESSURE IN SAID CONTAINER WITHIN SAID LIMITS. 